An Oldham artist has partnered with a British art retailer and is having his artwork published now, with some of his work inspired by Oldham and the surrounding area.

Hadrian Richards, from High Crompton, Shaw, recently partnered with Athena, a major British art retailer who also sell work across Europe and he will soon have a total of 75 paintings published with the retailer.

Mr Richards' art ranges from still-life paintings to abstract landscapes, with multiple paintings depicting places in the local Oldham area.

Mr Richards said: "Oldham and the surrounding area is a constant source of inspiration.

"Being out in the local countryside has led to both representational art and also some more abstract paintings that intend to capture the atmosphere of the local terrain."

Some of Mr Richards' diverse work depicts parts of the Oldham landscape, both urban and rural. His oil painting called If Walls Could Talk shows a view of Plate St in Oldham. This urban image can be contrasted with The Stile, which shows Pit Lane in Shaw and The Stone Steps, an oil painting which depicts the Wimberry Stones in Saddleworth, also known as Indian's Head.

In a recent interview with Athena as part of their Meet the Artist interviews, Mr Richards said: "I can never remember a time when I wasn’t being creative in some shape or form."

The Oldham Times: The Stone Outcrop, which shows the Wimberry Stones, or Indian's Head, near Dovestone.The Stone Outcrop, which shows the Wimberry Stones, or Indian's Head, near Dovestone.

After finishing school, Mr Richards attended the Rochdale School of Art before studying Fine Art at the University of Lancaster.

He said that people can expect to see more Oldham-inspired art from him in the future.

He said: "I have a series of urban landscapes planned that intend to capture Oldham of yesteryear but with an 'optimistic' colour scheme.

"My intention here being to marry the old with the new and celebrate the unique architecture of the town."

The Oldham Times: If Walls Could Talk, which portrays Plate Street, Oldham.If Walls Could Talk, which portrays Plate Street, Oldham.

 

In terms of future plans, as well as some Oldham-inspired work, Mr Richards plans to produce art based on his recent visit to the Lake District.

He told Athena: "My next project will be based on my visit to the lakes.

"It could result in representational art and probably some more abstract approaches."

To view Mr Richards' online gallery, where some of his work can be purchased, visit athenaart.com/collections/hadrian-richards.